Dear Heloise: Please let readers know that when a vehicle is in an accident and children with car seats are involved, the car seats must be replaced. Most insurance companies will replace the car seat. The car seats can be easily compromised (belts stretched, etc.).-Ruth in New Jersey
You are right, Ruth! The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that car seats be replaced when involved in a moderate to severe crash, but not necessarily after a minor crash. All crashes are different, and whether the child was in the seat at the time of the crash matters, too. If a child was in the seat at the time of the crash, be sure to replace it. Car seats are guaranteed to perform at their peak during only one crash. Even with no visible damage, a car seat may not hold up to a second crash.
Car-seat manufacturers have their own recommendations, depending on the company, so check with yours as well. When in doubt, I would replace the car seat no matter what, and most insurance companies should cover the replacement cost.-Heloise
NIGHT LIGHT
Dear Heloise: As my wife and I grow older, we are more and more aware of the dangers of falling. Some of our friends have already experienced falling in their homes at night.
We suggest investing in some small, motion-activated night lights, available at a hardware store, that come in battery-operated or plug-in varieties. We have mounted the lights around our house where we would likely be walking at night. They go on in succession as we proceed from one room to the next. We also have one in our overnight kit for those unfamiliar motel rooms and late-night bathroom visits.-J.R.F., via email
NO CREASES
Dear Heloise: Occasionally I will wear slacks for just a few hours while out to dinner, a short business meeting or an appointment. When I get home, I hang the slacks from the cuff using a pants hanger so that any creases come out from that day of wear.-C.W. in New York
King Features Syndicate